A defiant Boris Johnson has rejected calls from his cabinet colleagues to quit after support for his leadership collapsed at Westminster.
The UK prime minister met ministers in No 10 on Thursday, where he was told he had lost the confidence of the Tory party and could not continue in office.
UK home secretary Priti Patel, business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, transport secretary Grant Shapps, Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis and Welsh secretary Simon Hart were among the cabinet ministers telling Mr Johnson to stand down.
The PA news agency understands that Ms Patel spoke to Mr Johnson to convey the “overwhelming view” of the parliamentary party.
Mr Shapps is thought to have told Mr Johnson that he stood little chance of winning another confidence vote and should instead set out a timetable for a departure on his own terms.
Reports even suggested Nadhim Zahawi, who was only appointed as British chancellor on Tuesday, was among those taking part in the showdown with Mr Johnson.
But Mr Johnson rejected suggestions he should seek a “more dignified exit” and will instead fight for his political future – something which could trigger further cabinet resignations.
A source close to Mr Johnson said he told his colleagues there would be “chaos” if he quit and the party would almost certainly lose the next election.
The source said Mr Johnson was “continuing to focus on delivering for the public” and addressing the “hugely important issues facing the country”.
Neither Mr Shapps nor Mr Zahawi are expected to resign, despite Mr Johnson’s refusal to go.
Allies including UK culture secretary Nadine Dorries and Brexit opportunities minister Jacob Rees-Mogg all remained supportive of Mr Johnson.
UK deputy prime minister Dominic Raab also remained loyal to Mr Johnson and defended him at a session of the backbench 1922 Committee.
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the Conservative 1922 Committee, was thought to have visited Downing Street to communicate the views of backbenchers, following the meeting in the British parliament dominated by MPs calling for Mr Johnson to go.
If Mr Johnson refuses to go then his fate will ultimately lie with Tory MPs if the 1922 Committee’s rules are changed to allow another confidence vote within 12 months.
The committee’s executive did not make any immediate changes to the rules on Wednesday, but has scheduled elections for its executive committee to take place on Monday, before a result later that evening.
The new executive could decide to alter the rules, with Mr Johnson then facing a fresh battle to remain in office.
